Volume 10. No. 2. Summer 2013

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

FACTORY VISIT: Van Hool, Koningshooikt, Belgium

TEST DRIVE REPORT: Citroën Dispatch Combi SX

TIMES PAST: Duffy's Buses from the 1920's

plus News, Bus Lane, Global & Conductor's Stand

VOLVO BUSVOLVO BUS --

FLE

ET

BU

S & COACH AWARDS 2014

THE JOURNEY BEYOND EURO 6 BEGINS

www.fl eet.ie

4 News• eireagle.com shows its new colours • Wexford Bus jumps fi rst to Leap Card • New Marketing Manager for Volvo Bus • IRU calls for adjustments to EC’s Weights and Dimensions • Private Coach Operators rise to challenge • Bandag M788 Retreads plus Bus Lane.

6 AwardsEnter the 2014 Fleet Bus & Coach Awards in association with J.F. Dunne Insurance.

8 CoverTo Euro6 and Beyond for Volvo Bus.

10 Fleeting ShotsPin pictures from Dublin, Monaghan and Birmingham.

12 Factory VisitVan Hool plans to expand at home and abroad.

14 TestCitroën Dispatch Combi SX.

16 Times PastDetailed historical report on Duffy Buses.

18 FeatureBridgestone Ireland secures Ulster Bus and Metro contracts.

20 GlobalCovering football, charity foundation and safety handbook.

22 Conductor’s StandThe aftermath of the Bus Strike.

Fleet Bus & Coach Magazine

D’Alton Street, Claremorris,

Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826

Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571

Email: enquiries@fl eet.ie

ISSN: 1649-9433

Managing Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

Editor: Sean Murtagh

Contributors: Paul White, Rob Van Dieten, Cathal

Doyle, Michael Corcoran

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh,

Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Michael Corcoran, Stephen

Wall Morris

Administration:

Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Paula Mullarkey

Advertising:

Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney

Design: Eamon Wynne

Printed in Ireland

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Green Fleet Management/

Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Trailer &

Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime & Caravan Cruise Ireland

are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Offi ce:

D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767

Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specifi c matter.

Fleet Bus & Coach- the offi cial Irish

journal of the

International

Bus/Coach

of the Year Awards.

www.fl eet.ie | 3

Contents Summer 2013

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New brand and Galway-Dublin • Airport service launched

Irish Citylink, one of Ireland’s largest independent Coach Operators, has undertaken a

major revamp with the introduction of a new identity in eireagle.com, together with the launch of a new Airport Direct coach service between Galway and Dublin Airport.

Th e new services bypass Dublin City and deliver time savings for travellers of up to 30 minutes on journeys between Dublin Airport and Galway Coach Station, and 15 minutes on journeys in the opposite direction. eireagle.com’s 8 daily services are in addition to Irish Citylink’s existing Express Services between Galway and Dublin City & Airport.

The non-stop eireagle.com services will be operated by

Callinan Coaches' f leet of luxury coaches, which provide passengers with free Wi-Fi, onboard toilet facilities, air conditioning, reclining seats and spacious legroom.

“These new services will shorten journeys between Galway and Dublin Airport to just 2 hours and 30 minutes,” explained David Conway, Business Operations Manager, Irish Citylink. “Coaches will operate between Galway and Dublin Airport using the M6 and M50 motorways and will not go through Dublin City, off ering a more comfortable, direct and quicker journey time,” he added.

The National Transport Authority has appointed Wexford Bus as the first

private commercial bus operator in Ireland to accept the Leap Card as payment for journeys.

Now Wexford Bus passengers can benefi t from the convenience of using Leap Card Travel Credit on their Leap Card to pay for discounted single trips, or they can choose to load weekly tickets to their card. Th e National Transport Authority is also trialling the system on other commercial bus

operator services, but Wexford Bus is the fi rst to offi cially adopt the Leap Card ticketing system on its Wexford to Dublin City & Airport route.

Eireagle.com - Irish Citylink’s new ID

New Marketing Manager for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland

Wexford Bus – First to welcome Leap Card on board

New MD at Wrightbus John McLaughlin is the new Managing Director at Wrightbus. An Engineer with more than 30 years experience, John (53) was previously General Manager of the Northern Irish and Czech Republic operations of AVX, now part of the Kyocera Group, which saw him responsible for running operations with more than 2,000 employees, covering R&D, manufacturing and engineering. He takes over from Dermot Sterne, who has had to step down from the MD position for personal reasons, with immediate eff ect.

Recent Mini-Coach Sales by EVMEVM in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath has supplied Pro Bus & Car Ltd (Killarney) and ECL Chauff eur Drive (Dublin) with new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter mini-coaches.

Th e new Pro Bus vehicle is an extra long Sprinter 516 CDI 163bhp with automatic gearbox. It features full length luggage racks, pleated full draw curtains on rails with moulded tie backs, EVM double glazing, in dash and saloon air conditioning. Eleven Brusa leather seats are fi tt ed with leather cushioned headrests and 3-point seat belts. Two ‘leg-free’ tables are placed to the rear of the saloon compartment. A panoramic roof and panoramic double glazing give the mini-coach an open and welcoming feeling enhanced by an impressive audio/visual system.

Santry based ECL Chauff eur Drive has purchased a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Elegance with similar powertrain specification but with 6 Speed manual gearbox. EVM’s stepped and curved double glazed saloon side windows in privacy grey provide excellent visibility for passengers. Th ey can enjoy 16 EVM seats with 3-point seat belts, folding arm rest to aisle sides and reclining back rest, fi nished in epengle moquett e with leather head rests.

Entertainment is taken care of with the Mercedes-Benz Sound 20 Upgrade Radio/CD and PA system. Storage is provided for with two full length luggage racks with integrated reading lights and passenger service units and a full drop boot with half height luggage partition at the rear.

New Appointment at Central Bus & CoachCentral Bus & Coach, Kennagh, County Longford has appointed Ronan McNevin as its new Sales Manager.With over 25 years experience in the industry, Central Bus & Coach is confi dent that Ronan’s appointment will further enhance UNVI’s reputation as the preferred coach supplier in Northern and Southern Ireland.

Ronan will handle all New and Used sales for Central Bus & Coach and is available on 043 3322023.

BUS LANE

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

4 | NEWS 1

Volvo Bus UK & Ireland has appointed Pam Matt hews as the new Marketing Manager,

succeeding Don Johnston, who retired at the end of April. Pam has an experienced background with the Volvo Group for over eleven years. She joined the Volvo Bus team in May 2003 as PA to then Managing Director, Mike Ball. Th e subsequent ten years saw Pam extend her industry knowledge, supporting Steve Dewhurst and Gordon Reid, as well as playing an active role with Don Johnston on Volvo Bus Marketing initiatives.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play a leading role in the development of the Volvo Bus UK & Ireland marketing strateg y. We have implemented some really exciting initiatives in the last couple of years. I am committ ed to ensuring Volvo continues to be considered as the leading innovator in the market,” commented Pam.

“With the new Bandag M788(E), we off er Bandag Dealers an exceptional product, exceeding the technical requirements for this demanding

application, and increasing their chances for success within this segment,” says Harald Van Ooteghem, Senior Manager Marketing Planning Commercial Business Unit, Bridgestone Europe.

Featuring the typical Bandag ECL curved section, the new Bandag M788(E) provides a great fi nished product appearance that’s virtually indistinguishable from a new tyre.

But there is much more to this new Bandag tread than just its looks:

Impressive mileage performance with same tread depth and • lighter to equal weight than its predecessor. All-season M+S patt ern, with good winter traction when • newly fi tt ed, and quiet enough to be run all year round.Versatile product, mainly for • regional usage, but also for highway and city bus applications. Low wear compound and special • sipe design Speed rating M (130 km/h).•

Th e new Bandag M788(E) all-position tread is taking advantage of the experience gained from the well-known Bridgestone M788 new tyre. Together, these features make the Bandag M788(E) one of the most technically advanced coach retreads on the market, with performance, reliability, safety and comfort similar to a new tyre. Th e Bandag M788(E) treads are available in various widths, allowing to retread the most common casing sizes used within this segment.

While the International Road Tra nspor t Un ion (I RU) broadly welcomes the European

Commission’s (EC) proposal on weights and dimensions for commercial vehicles, it questions details on the weight of coaches and electronic weight sensor proposals.

Th e new EC proposals on its review of Directive 96/53/EC concerning weights and dimensions of commercial vehicles aim to improve fuel effi ciency and reduce CO2 emissions by 7-10%, leading to more effi cient and greener road freight transport operations, while improving road safety through new vehicle design allowing for bett er driver visibility and increased driver comfort. However, only allowing a weight of 19 tonnes for two-axle buses and coaches to compensate for the extra weight of additional safety devices and

environmental technology without increasing the carrying capacity of these vehicles, will not be enough to meet the needs of customers and businesses. Th e industry advocates a 19.5 tonne maximum weight for two-axle buses and coaches, as recommended by the EU public-private Smart Move High Level Group.

Regarding the EC proposals to promote electronic weight sensors to communicate weight information to Enforcement Authorities, the IRU strongly advocates that their use must ensure that electronic data alone should not be used for remote enforcement purposes. In addition, any data transmission must not be extended to enforce weight compliance that is not uniformly applied across the EU, and malfunctioning of weight sensor equipment should not constitute an off ence in itself.

“Before new weight sensor technology is used, it must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate its accuracy. It is essential that additional controls do not increase the already heavy administrative burden on operators, and that any new technology is used as a detection tool rather than an automatic enforcement method,” stressed IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen (pictured).

IRU calls for amendments to EC’s Weights & Dimensions proposals

Bandag M788 Retread featuring Bridgestone Technology

good winter traction when o be run

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be run

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Social Media played a signifi cant role in helping stranded passengers fi nd an alternative service provider during the recect Bus Éireann strike. Leading up to the three-day

stoppage, Facebook and Twitt er kept commuters informed of where and when private coaches provided by members of the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTT C) were available.

CTT C members were in a position to provide additional coaches and capacity to cater for passengers aff ected by the strike on top of their own schedules, be it commuter services or coach tours. Galway based Irish Citylink continued to operate its full schedule of frequent intercity passenger express and commuter services as well as providing additional services. According to David Conway, Business Operations Manager, Irish Citylink: “Extra coaches and capacity were provided where possible to meet any increase in demand,” he said.

Members of the public showed their appreciation such as “Well done @citylinkireland extra services, running on time and doing a great job on what could have been a chaotic Sunday evening #limerick.”

“Good on @citylinkireland @Wexfordbus @JJKavanaghBuses for taking up the slack when #NBRU #SIPTU & #TSSA prevented @buseireanndeals running!”

Interestingly, Europcar Ireland off ered commuters 50% off car rentals to help people get to work during the Bus Éireann work stoppage. Commuters could collect their vehicle from any of Europcar’s locations around Ireland (Dublin Airport, Dublin City Centre, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport, Galway City, Knock Airport, Navan Town).

Colm Brady, Business Development Director of Europcar Ireland, commented, “While we sympathize with the workers of Bus Éireann, commuters across the country have been aff ected as they try to make their way to work. At Europcar we are committ ed to providing mobility solutions for people and this small gesture is to help people out.”

Private coach operators extend services for stranded passengers

www.fl eet.ie

NEWS 11 | 5

6 | AWARDS

Coach Operator of the Year 2014

Commuter Best Safety Practice 2014

Inter-City Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2014

Tours Care for the Environment 2014

Investment in Innovation 2014

Bus Operator of the Year 2014 Irish Coach of the Year 2014

Your Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Please send completed Entry form plus any additional material relative to your entry and category(s) to:Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo. Tel: 094 93 72819 Fax: 094 93 73571 Email: awards@fl eet.ie

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014

The Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014 in association with J.F. Dunne Insurances will once again recognise

and honour operators working within the Irish passenger transport industry. Held every two years, the special prize-giving ceremony, which takes place on 10 October at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin at 12.30 pm will also host a Bus & Coach Forum that aft ernoon. Th e main topic is “Th e future of the Bus & Coach Industry in Ireland”. Guest speakers will include representatives from public and private passenger transport. Mr. Alan Kelly T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will be the keynote speaker and will also present the awards to the category winners.

Among the accolades to be presented at the 2014 Fleet Bus & Coach Awards programme in association with J.F. Dunne Insurances, will be the Irish Coach of the Year 2014 which is re-instated aft er an absence of some years. Th erefore, a total of 10 awards will be presented on the day, as follows:

Coach Operator of the Year 2014• Commuter • Inter City• Tours• Bus Operator of the Year 2014• Best Safety Practice 2014• Best Livery & Corporate Identity 2014• Care for the Environment 2014• Investment in Innovation 2014

• Irish Coach of the Year 2014

Entry is now open. Please complete the form below. Entries can be received in three ways: (a) Nominate yourself; (b) Nominate a contender or (c) A supplier or customer can nominate you.

For the fi ft h running of the Fleet & Coach Awards in association with J.F. Dunne Insurances there are three separate sections for bus and coach operators to enter. For dedicated coach operators, the Coach Operator of the Year 2014 has three classes – 1) Commuter: which is open to operators that provide a scheduled service area in urban areas; 2) Inter City: which honours cross-country service providers or those that transport passengers from rural towns and cities; 3) Tours: where the ‘ambassadors’ for our country are acknowledged.

For Licenced Bus Operators, there is an award confi ned to operators of mini buses/midi coach fl eets. Open to all are four other categories. 1) Best Practice Safety Award - presented to Bus/Coach companies that embrace safety as a culture in their day-to-day activities; 2) Livery & Corporate Identity - distinctiveness in the vehicle’s paintwork and signwriting will be marked for a prize along with how the company identity transcends throughout the company; 3) Care for the Environment - Effi ciencies in fuel consumption, recycling and energy usage will be championed here; 4) Investment in Innovation - Any new method or product designed to increase daily effi ciencies or enhance passenger comfort.

Entry FormFleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014 sponsored by J.F. Dunne Insurances

Date: 10 October 2013 Venue: Citywest Hotel, Dublin Time: 12.30pm

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Position: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Contact Person: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nominated by: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Categories: Please tick boxes

About J.F. Dunne Insurances

J.F. Dunne Insurances has a long history and connection with the Irish Bus and Coach Industry stretching back over 30 years. In 1980 the brokerage launched Ireland’s first Bus and Coach Insurance package in a pioneering move that has proved to be the most sustainable and competitive model for PSV operators. Over the years J.F. Dunne Insurances has led the market through continued innovation and product development to meet the needs of the ever changing business of the Irish professional Bus and Coach Operator.

Th e most recent addition has been the J.F. Dunne Insurances Bus and Coach Client Emergency Fund which is co-funded by AIG. Available to the long standing clients of the brokerage, senior management at J.F. Dunne Insurances and AIG will manage the fund and look aft er their mutual clients who fall into fi nancial diffi culty through serious ill health or the death of the main partner or spouse in the family business. Th e fund will step in for 6 to 9 months where the family business may need immediate fi nancial aid for a replacement driver or pay the insurance bill. J. F. Dunne Insurances is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is part of the J.F. Dunne Group.

VOLVO BUS. DRIVING QUALITY OF LIFEwww.volvobus.co.uk

EURO 6 IS COMING...EURO 5 AVAILABLE FROM STOCK NOW!

Jo Standbridge 07966 512891Jo.standbridge@volvo.com

David Stevenson 07776 161780david.stevenson@volvo.com

Richard Mann 07714 653271richard.mann@volvo.com

Volvo Bus and Coach Sales CentreSiskin Parkway East • Middlemarch Business ParkCoventry CV3 4PE • 02476 210250 • www.volvobus.co.uk

Contact your Regional Sales Manager and secure your deal now!

Volvo Bus and Coach Sales Centre has a selection of New Euro 5 coaches availablefor immediate delivery. Featuring a wide range of specifications and stylish bodyoptions all vehicles are supported by Volvo’s comprehensive warranty package.

Including: Volvo B11R Jonckheere • B11R Sunsundegui SC7 • B9R Jonckheere • B9R Plaxton

Jim Newman 07791 466318jim.newman@volvo.com

Phil Hudson 07776 161781philip.hudson@volvo.com

Lee McMahon 02476 210250lee.mcmahon@volvo.com

A versatile chassis offering a multitude of featuresmakes the B11R ideally placed to meet a widerange of applications.

First class driveability, exceptional torque andoutstanding fuel efficiency ensure the B11R runssmoothly, not only on the road, but also inproduction, service and maintenance.

Volvo B11RThe highly successful B9R chassis is an idealchoice for both tourist and intercity operations.

Combining the driving qualities of Volvo’s full sizeB13R platform, with the lightweight characteristicsand versatility of the Volvo B7R the result is a midrange, economic, adaptable and safe coachwith excellent driving properties.

Volvo B9R

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

8 | COVER

“A s you already know, Euro 6 legislation means a shift towards new technologies. At Volvo Bus, however, we

believe we can do more. That is why we are driving the development still further and can offer products and services that take our customers beyond Euro 6,” said Håkan Karlsson, President, Volvo Bus Corporation.

Volvo AB has fi rmly set out its strategy for its bus division over the next ten to fi ft een years. A decade has almost passed since Volvo Bus invited the press to see a prototype diesel-electric Hybrid and make a test drive around the centre of Brussels. It was a very honest concept, one could say, though a bit rough! It was obvious that the Volvo engineers would face a lot of hard work if this bus would ever see a future. Th ose of us on the bus that day felt passengers

would be afraid of the constant jerking as the transition from electric power to diesel engine erupted into life. Upon att ending the recent Volvo Buses’ 'Journey Beyond Euro6' in Boras, Sweden, we were more than impressed with the display of the company's latest presentation of new products. Th ere we got an inspiring preview of its new engine range and a look into the future beyond Euro 6.

Euro 6For Euro 6 Regulations (January 2014) the Volvo Group has developed three new engines, D5K, D8K and D11K covering a power range from 240 hp to 460 hp. In the past it was generally thought that Euro 6 would only be achieved using a combination of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), and up to now Volvo has used SCR for its truck and bus engines. However, the new engines will also have DPF (Diesel

Particulate Filter) and DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) fi tt ed with some reliance on EGR. Th e larger D11K, which is mainly used in the coaches will not have an EGR system. Across the range of engines, fuel economy will be improved by 2% to 4% with oil replacement intervals at 100,000 km.

Boras PlantBuilt in the city of Boras, which is 60 km from Gothenburg, the facility fi rst opened in 1977. Globally, Volvo has 11 Bus plants, but in Boras all models are built including CKD (Complete Knockdown Kits), which are exported to over 60 countries. At the plant almost 300 people are employed, 10% of them women. 10,000 chassis are produced annually, 5,000 CKD and 5,000 CBU (Completely Built-Up). In the current climate the maximum capacity is not being achieved. As three lines are available for manufacture, it takes two days from start to fi nish to produce a full chassis.

Volvo Bus works with over forty body builders worldwide but this number will be reduced to twenty in the coming years six, of which will be preferred suppliers. Irish operators will be glad to know that this group of six will include Wrightbus and Plaxton.

HybridNow with more than 1,000 Hybrid buses operating in twenty diff erent countries Volvo Bus regards itself as the world leader in this market.

From the fi rst prototype presented by Volvo Bus to what is on off er now, there is no comparison. Euro 6 engines with Hybrid technology will give a minimum saving of 10% on fuel, with up to

Volvo Bus looks to the Volvo Bus looks to the future … Beyond Euro 6future … Beyond Euro 6

Volvo Hybrid System 2013

Volvo 7900 Hybrid Articulated

Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fl eet.ie www.fl eet.ie

COVER | 9

46% saving on a City bus. Volvo has moved on to the next stage of diesel-electric innovation. Called a plug-in Hybrid, it is the next step on the road to total electrifi cation. It works as a

normal Hybrid based on the award winning 9700 bus. At the Bus Terminal, a roof mounted receptor connects to a recharging unit and when the batt ery is fully charged the bus will be able to travel for ten minutes on electric power, or approximately 8 km on a city service. According to research the average bus route in Europe is 10 km. At the moment the engine power would only be required for 30% of a journey.

Testing will commence this month in Gothenburg and Volvo is confi dent that savings of up to 60% in fuel is achievable. So far the technology has been well tested and the company is satisfi ed that fully operational electric buses are not too far away.

Coach Development Irish operators of complete Integral Volvo coaches will notice the subtle changes in the bodywork on the 9700 and 9900 models. A novel development is called i-Start has been introduced

whereby a separate batt ery and circuit powers the starter thus eliminating the danger of early morning 'dead starts'. Th e new coaches will be powered by an 11 litre D11K engine (Euro6) and the Volvo engineers say this new engine will deliver a 2% reduction in fuel. Long term it is intended to off er the Electric Plug-In type technology on these coaches.

Conclusion Volvo Bus is developing new products that go well beyond any legal requirement in terms of Euro 6. In the past most manufacturers said electric vehicles were a long way off and only likely to be used in cities. Volvo clearly has revised that opinion and backed it up with a fi ne effi cient product. A lot of development and progress has happened since that morning in Brussels 10 years ago. Challenges still exist in terms of cost but it would be a wise person who would predict where we will be in another decade in terms of electric and alternative power.

Borås factory

VOLVO BUS HQ

Volvo 9900 Driver's environment

Volvo's plug-in Hybrid

Volvo 9900 interior

A pioneering transport operator has called on the Government to go one step further in its new Road

Safety Strategy 2013-2020 programme and introduce an alcohol level testing system in all public service vehicles as a necessary safety measure.

Alcolocks are connected to a vehicle’s ignition system and activated by the driver blowing into a device with a mouthpiece. Th ey will prevent a vehicle’s engine starting if the driver’s alcohol level exceeds a pre-set legal limit. Th e Government’s new Road Safety Strategy calls for the introduction of mandatory alcolocks for repeat drink-drivers as a sentencing option for Court Judges.

However, Paddy Matt hews of Matt hews Coach Hire, believes that the measures do not go far enough and that, in his experience, they should

be preventative rather than punitive. Matt hews Coach Hire, based in Inniskeen, Monaghan, is the only transport company in Ireland to have alcolocks installed – and every Matt hews coach and support vehicle carries one of the devices. “Alcolocks are part of our culture and our machines detect extremely low readings,” said Paddy.

“Th ese machines may cost money to install and calibrate, but they undoubtedly save lives. Th ey are a far bett er preventative option than a punitive one, as proposed. Th ey are a legal requirement in all professional transport vehicles in Finland, for example. 60% of all fatal accidents in the workplace are alcohol-related. I sleep at night because I know that we are focused on safety. Our drivers appreciate this and so do our customers,” added Paddy.

“We need the Government to come on board,

and the insurance companies to acknowledge the benefi ts of installation in lower premiums.”

Matt hews was honoured by the Road Safety Authority for its use of alcolocks and overall work in the fi eld of safety. Th e family-run business was recently named as the fi rst public transport company in the UK or Ireland to achieve the new ISO 50001 Energy Management Accreditation.

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

10 | FLEETING SHOTS

Swords Express named Passenger Transport Company of the Year

Alcolock pioneer calls on Government to go one step further

Coach & Bus Live 2013 to feature The Live Showcase Arena

Swords Express, which operates a premium coach service from Swords to Dublin city centre via the Port

Tunnel, has received the accolade of ‘Passenger Transport Company of the Year’ at the 2013 Irish Logistics & Transport Awards.

In the face of challenging economic conditions, rising fuel prices and an increasingly competitive market, Swords Express, which is owned and operated by Eirebus Ltd, has enjoyed robust growth in the last twelve months, more than doubling its fl eet size and impressively increasing its revenue and passenger numbers.

According to Paddy Kavanagh, Owner and Managing Director of Eirebus/Swords Express, his company owes its success to a customer-

centric approach that is not readily found elsewhere in the passenger transport industry.

“In its six years of operation, Swords Express has shown robust growth and, in particular, the past twelve months have really seen the company fl ourish. We really pride ourselves on listening to our customers and responding rapidly, and we have made important changes to the operation as a direct result of valuable feedback received in 2012. We know, and play to our strengths and this is why we continue to grow. We are delighted with the progress we have made in the past year and we hope to continue this growth in 2013 and beyond.”

From 2-3 October, Th e Live Showcase A rena, set within the NEC Birmingham’s Exhibition Halls, will

engage visitors in an entirely new and unique way, with three live showcases of the latest passenger vehicles taking place each day of Coach & Bus Live 2013.

Each of the live shows will focus on a diff erent range of vehicles and highlight individual design features, technical advancements, comfort and accessibility, with input and video footage from vehicle manufacturers.

A professional presenter, accompanied by industry experts and operators picked from the audience will discuss the merits of the diff erent buses and coaches while commentary and content will be shown on large screens within the Showcase Th eatre.

“Th e whole premise behind Coach & Bus Live is to create a lively, interactive and innovative atmosphere within the exhibition,” said Mark Griffi n, Show Director. “To this end we have invested in a brand new feature – Th e Live Showcase Arena – a professionally produced show focusing on many of the very best buses and coaches on off er in the UK and Ireland today.” Simon Posner, CEO of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, added: “Even a short time ago it would not have been possible to have vehicles running within the exhibition – if only for a few minutes. With the progress made in the sophistication of engines and emission control through “euro” developments and alternative fuels, we are now able to show off buses and coaches in this new and exciting way, I’m sure visitors will love it.”

Team members pictured include:

From left : Pippa Allsop; Event Manager, Hilary Mitchell; Accounts Coordinator, Anita Bowkett ; PA, Luke Galliana; Group Sales Manager, Jemma Riman; Event Planner, Julie Hartley; Group Marketing and Communications Manager and Mark Griffi n; Show Director. (Not pictured, Helen Conway; Operations Manager).

Monica Murphy (Chair CILT Events & Marketing Committ ee) presenting the award to Paddy Kavanagh

POLITECNICA

ARCO RANGE RELAX RANGE

ITALY

POLITECNICA SRL - MONSANO (AN) - ITALY - In UK and Ireland please contact PAOLO GRASSETTI at +353 (0)87 2285804, politecnicaseats@eircom.net

Automatic Membership All Licenced Operators

PCBOA welcomes the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2014.

We encourage all members who feel they have a chance, to

enter. The awards are a recognition of our private industry

quality standards within Public Transportation. They cover

many areas of operation and Winners deserve recognition by

us all.

JF Dunne Insurances should be commended for their

sponsorship and ongoing support for the Private Coach Bus

Industry.

Of note is the exclusion of a School Transport Services

category.This is due to Bus Eireann being the exclusive

contractor to the Department of Education.

Yours sincerely,M GoodliffeMike GoodliffeDirector/Manager

P.C.B.O.A.PRIVATE COACH BUS OWNERS ALLIANCE

8000 EMPLOYEES

6000 VEHICLES

1900 OWNERS

REGIONALLY LOCATED

F A M I L I E S ENTREPRENEURS

D C Hughes MBA President/ChairmanPrivate Coach Bus Owners Alliance32-33 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1Tel: (01) 878 3079 Email: industry@pcboa.ie Web: www.pcboa.ie

Organised byScan the QR code for more information:

www.coachandbuslive.com

Lively, interactive, innovativeNEC, Birmingham

Wednesday 2 – Thursday 3 October 2013

Take inspiration from LIVE features in the UK’s premium coach and bus exhibition for 2013. Packed with live action, imaginative feature areas and information rich master classes – quite simply there’s nothing else to match the Coach & Bus Live experience.

Covering buses, coaches and mini-vehicles. Technology for vehicles as well as the office. Workshop equipment alongside parts and accessories. Tourism, finance and insurance - indeed, anything and everything you need to successfully operate a fleet of passenger vehicles.

Thinking about exhibiting? Avoid disappointment and make certain you get the stand location of your choice – contact Luke Galliana,

Group Sales Manager on:

Tel: +44 (0) 1926 455 261Email: luke.galliana@expom.co.uk

@coach_buslive

#CBL13

Scan the QR code to start the registration process

V an Hool Coaches has for decades enjoyed popularity with Irish operators. Having been assembled in Ireland for a

few years in the 1970s, it established a good foundation in the marketplace. Founded in 1947 by Bernard Van Hool, the Belgian company, located at Koningshooikt, near the city of Lier, is now run by his grandson Filip Van Hool.

When Van Hool was fi rst set up, Europe was just emerging from World War II.

Mr. Van Hool felt that people would need to travel and the fastest way was by bus. Primitive by today’s standards, every bus was built on truck chassis. Today Van Hool builds complete coaches from 10.5m to 15m Double Deckers. Innovation and simplicity are two of the secrets of Van Hool remaining at the top of the market. Th e current C.E.O. and grandson of the founder is passionate about the business and buses. On a recent holiday in Dublin he went to Busaras and booked a day trip to Galway, travelling by bus. When asked which he enjoyed most, the trip by bus

or visiting Galway he said, “it was seamless enjoyment.” Euro 6Van Hool is very proud of the fact that it is ready with a Euro 6 driveline. In fact it believes it is the only manufacturer that is fully ready at this stage, although no deliveries will be made until January 2014. Van Hool uses a number of engine and chassis types but the Euro 6 PACCAR/DAF MX375 powers its fully integral vehicle. Th rough its relationship with Cummins in America, it is possible that

Van Hool aims to remain at the top

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

12 | FACTORY VISIT

a Cummins Euro 6 option may be available in Europe.

Van Hool in AmericaOne of Van Hool’s biggest markets is in fact North America. American operators would expect to get 25 years operation from a coach and when the vehicle is around 12 years old, it is taken in for a full refi t. A full refi t will cost in the region of 60% of a new vehicle, maybe something Irish operators should consider. Van Hool has a 50% share in the ABC company which acts as exclusive US distributor for Van Hool. Since entering the American market in 1983, Van Hool has delivered almost 10,000 vehicles. Currently almost half of the European production goes to North America.

ManufacturingVery few coach manufacturers employ carpenters. Well Van Hool does, as it continues to use timber in all of its vehicles. Mainly because it reduces noise and gives a warm feeling to passengers gett ing on board. Just over 4000 people are employed on its main site near Brussels. Quite a lot of the sub-assembly work is done on site. Interestingly, Van Hool also manufactures its own seating.

Strategically the company has always invested in new technology, even during the current economic slow down. Recently almost €1 million was directed towards purchasing laser cutt ing equipment. In this area robotic activity has replaced manual labour in a process that works around the clock.

Macedonia Van Hool is currently building a new plant in the Republic of Macedonia. Work is well advanced on a green fi eld site and production will start towards the end of the year. €25 million has been invested so far in this venture. It is hoped that the new plant will give Van Hool a base to open export opportunities to the Middle East and further afi eld. Other locations were looked at including Turkey and Serbia. When fully operational the plant will have a capacity to manufacture 500 buses per year. At the moment some of the employees from Macedonia are in Belgium to receive training and develop their skills.

Into the Future Filip Van Hool is very well aware of the problems facing his company. At the moment the fi rm produces 1,200 vehicles per year. Th is needs to increase to at least 1,500 units, which will be diffi cult in a

market where there is already an oversupply of production. In addition, Belgium has very high labour cost. If you take German salary costs as a base line, wages in Belgium are at 114% (incidentally Ireland on the same scale is 82%).

By moving production, or at least some of it, the aggregate labour cost will come down signifi cantly. Developing new products and improving technology will carry a big cost. Van Hool knows its market and sees its area of expertise in building custom made vehicles, in particular, Double Decker coaches. Van Hool also has a presence in the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) market and Trolley Bus sectors.

By 2050, 50% of the population will live in cities so the need for innovation and development in Public Transport will be signifi cant. Van Hool states that it always has embraced change, and looks forward to the challenge. Filip Van Hool is passionate about bus building and this passion fi lters through the company. By facing the challenges and embracing change, Van Hool has a bright future.

Text & Photos: Sean Murtagh - sean@fl eet.ie www.fl eet.ie

WORKSHOP | 13

W ithout being too blunt, Citroën’s Dispatch Combi is a large MPV, based on the Dispatch van. It is basically

a panel van with seats in the cargo bay and there is nothing wrong with that, especially when it is not pretending to be anything else.

What the Combi SX has is space, it is a relatively large vehicle which can accommodate nine passengers with ample room. By combining that space with the toughness of the van build, it becomes a sturdy passenger transport vehicle for either private or commercial use. Dispatch Combi has quite distinctive looks and the dark navy black colour of our test unit gave it the hallmarks of an executive transfer vehicle, that would grace the door of any 5-Star Hotel.

Th e centre row of seats split and fold to allow good access to the rearmost passenger seats, and access is helped by reasonable headroom when moving through the Combi. Seating can be removed or rearranged with minimum eff ort to cater for extra luggage or more interior space. With the rear row of seats removed it allows up to six adults to be carried, with plenty of room left for bulkier items like bikes or camping equipment or anything else needed.

Having a wide range of adjustment for the drivers’ seat and steering wheel, added to the well positioned gear selector, provides an excellent driving position. Another plus was that our Combi came with a leather trimmed steering wheel, which gave an agreeable touch of class, helping to change the whole sense of the vehicle.

Aft er a few minutes the Dispatch Combi really grows on you, no doubt helped by the high comfortable driving position, and a feeling of sturdiness one gets behind the wheel of any sizeable vehicle. As a passenger unit Combi is at the larger end of the scale even for MPV’s. Nevertheless it drives very well, and doesn’t

feel in any way cumbersome, and has no problem squeezing through gaps in traffi c. At 4,085 mm long and 2,194 mm (to the mirrors) wide, Combi is highly manoeuvrable easy to park. Th ough rear parking sensors are a useful and arguably a necessary addition for all vehicles in this segment.

Speaking of urban traffi c, the transmission ratios are well spaced for city driving and the six-speed is fl exible, forgiving and works well with the 2.0 litre 120 hp diesel. Th e engine is quiet, smooth, and delivers respectable fuel consumption. When driven with a fuel saving hat on, fi gures of 6.1 l/100 (46.32 mpg) on a general urban cycle can be achieved. Helped with slight prompting from a not too intrusive change up indicator in the binnacle.

If a practical and versatile vehicle is what you’re seeking, then Citroën’s Dispatch Combi could be the answer. The large single door to the rear allows access across the width of the opening and with sliding doors to each side makes for an ideal all-purpose MPV.

Running with eight adults the Combi pu l l s wel l , a nd thanks to Citroën’s suspension it tackles the bumpy sections very well. Overall the ride quality is excel lent and we found the steering and directional control to be precise.

On some twisting rural roads it follows the bends and curves w i t h o u t b e i n g troubled or displaying any tendency to dip

or sway. Travelling at higher cruising speeds on the motorway, the Combi is steady and comfortable, though when changing lanes and crossing cat's eyes the bumps do remind you of the van origins.

What really appealed to us about the Combi was its honesty - it is a van with seats. Th at said, the Combi is a Citroën Dispatch van with seats, so it is starting from a good place. It comes with a proven durability engine, good levels of comfort, appealing trim and distinctive styling. A number of the large purpose built MPV’s may have a few more bells and fl ashing lights, however these come at a price. Another advantage Citroën’s nine seater has over some competitors in the large MPV segment is its size. Combi’s dimensions allow it to be more practical and versatile, for the large family or for the commercial user.

Citroën Dispatch Combi SX

14 | TESTTE

ST D

RIVE

REP

ORT:

SPEC CHECKMake / Model Citroen Dispatch Combi SXEngine 1,997 cc - HDi 125 L1H1 (Euro 5)Power @ rpm 94 kW (125 hp) @ 4,000 rpmTorque @ rpm 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpmTransmission 6 Speed ManualBraking Front and Rear Discs

Suspension (F) Independent Mc Pherson / (R) Trailing Arm Coil Spring with Hydraulic Dampers

Safety/ Driver Assist Systems

ABS, EBA, ESP VariableTraction ControlHill Start Assist,Passenger Side & Curtain Airbags

Seating 9 Seats as Standard - (8 in test unit)Door Openings Side - Width 924 / Height 1,203

Rear - Width 1,237 / Height 1,272Tyres Michelin Agilis - 205/45 R16Wheels 16” Vivance AlloysCO2 / Tax Band 172 g/km / Band EFuel Consumption

Urban 5.2 l/100 - Motorway 4.5l/100(Urban 54.34 Mpg - Motorway - 62.79 Mpg)

Fuel Capacity 80 LitresPrice as tested €36,700

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013 Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fl eet.ie

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FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

One Sunday last Februar y the Transport Museum was honoured with a generous donation from a visitor, Dr.

Eileen Duff y. Her father, Francis Duff y, had been a leading fi gure in the bus industry in the 1920s and his daughter was anxious that his achievements should be marked and his memory honoured. Dr. Duff y had assembled a formidable collection of pictures, documents and newspaper cutt ings and these, combined with bus fl eet records in the Museum’s records, form the basis of this brief look back at bus operation in Ireland more than eighty years ago.

In the North of Ireland in the early years of the twentieth century, Francis Duff y left school at the age of 18 and went to work in a bar. Some time later he purchased his own public house in Portglenone and later still,

a second one in Larne. Around that time in the 1920s there were opportunities for entrepreneurs like Francis Duff y and so he entered the expanding bus industry, with offi ces at 67 North Lott s, Dublin. Th e Louth & Meath Omnibus Company Ltd was formed by agreement on 28th January 1927 to operate a service from Dublin to Shercock via Navan and Kells. Its fi rst bus appears to have been an AEC, YI 9291, bought on 27th September 1926. Two Leyland Lions, AI 3185 and AI 3193, were acquired later and the company was incorporated on 8th February 1928.

Several members of the Duff y family and relatives were involved in the bus operation, including former Customs Officer Alex McDowell, whose “Classic” bus destinations included Castlepollard, Coole, Delvin, Drumcree, Kilcock and Trim. Louth and Meath services were listed in the ABC

Bus Guide for October 1928 as Dublin-Carrickmacross and Dublin-Kingscourt. But however extensive these Leinster routes were, they were at least matched by the diversity of those operated by Duff y’s Southern General in Munster.

Th e Southern General – more commonly known as “Th e General” – Head Offi ce 67 North Lott s, had its Cork offi ce at 17A Patrick’s Quay. Operations began on 18th February 1927 and the company was registered on 1st April. Th e principal services ran from Cork to Mallow, Ballybunion, Listowel, Newcastle West, Limerick, Dungarvin and Ballycott on. Fortunately, some copies of General timetables have survived and apart from bus times, they include some fascinating advertisements for various contemporary businesses. Th e General services were widely supported and the fl eet contained buses transferred from the Louth and Meath as well as some very modern AEC Reliances.

Th e privately-owned bus operators that had proliferated throughout the Irish Free State att racted growing numbers of passengers and off ered stiff competition to the rail and tram companies. Th e two major railways – the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) and Great Southern Railways – were anxious to develop bus networks and were authorised to do so under an Act of 1927. Th e GSR acted through the Irish Omnibus Company (IOC), while the GNR later opted for direct operation of its services, and both railways set out to buy out private bus companies – the GSR south of a Dublin-Sligo line, and the GNR north of that.

Th e Southern General was acquired by the IOC in December 1929 and many of its routes survive under Bus Eireann. Buses owned by T. Duff y followed into the IOC in 1930 but

16 | TIMES PAST

Classic (Duff y) AEC IY 1775

Duff y AEC YI 9194 (IOC 120)

Duff y (General) AEC Reliance

DUFFY’S BUSES – A Major Operator of the 1920s

there are several gaps in the information that has survived over the years about what various family members actually owned. There are, however, some wonderful newspaper cutt ings and other documents collected by Dr. Duff y including reports of various Court cases; tales of drivers and conductors being charged with overloading or speeding are quite numerous.

Th e Dublin-Dundalk service, which operated under the names Classic and Louth & Meath Omnibus Company on an hourly headway, was sold to the GNR in February 1929. It passed to CIE when the GNR was acquired in 1958 and is now a major element in the Bus Eireann network, which took over CIE’s services outside Dublin in 1987. Reverting to 1929, the four newer Duff y AECs were taken over by the GNR, becoming Fleet Nos. 4, 5, 6 and 7. Th ey were withdrawn in 1934-5, three of them becoming railbuses, a type of vehicle

largely pioneered by the GNR and which for years put off the abandonment of unremunerative Branch Lines. A r e s t o r e d G N R railbus is displayed at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra, near Belfast.

Several of the Duff y buses that went into the IOC fl eet survived right through the 1930s under GSR management right up to World War Two, shortly before the GSR operation was incorporated into CIE on 1st January 1945. None of these very historic vehicles have survived and there are unfortunately less than half a dozen very poor photographs – a sad refl ection on this country’s wretched record in this fi eld. But we must certainly

applaud Dr. Duff y for the care she has taken in compiling the notes from which much of this article has been copied.

Following his exit from buses, Francis Duff y operated a travelling cinema and also made a fi lm about the Blasket islands; this is preserved in the National Film Archive. He later ran a guest house and fi lling station adjacent to the site of the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra. Atlas Tyres now occupies the site of the petrol station, which in its day enjoyed the highest sales in Dublin.

Text: Michael Corcoran - enquiries@fl eet.ie www.fl eet.ie

TIMES PAST | 17

Duff y Timetable Cover 1 Jun 1928

General (Duff y) AEC

B ridgestone Ireland is partnering with Ulsterbus and Metro to provide premium tyres for its 1500

Public Service Vehicles, which travel over 60 million kilometres per year. “Th e decision by Ulsterbus and Metro to fi t Bridgestone premium tyres refl ects our commitment to working with companies who prioritise quality and safety above all else,” said Conor Curran, National Fleet Executive Ireland, Bridgestone Northern Region. “As the world’s largest tyre company and the experts in Truck and Bus tyres in Ireland and the UK, we are in a position to ensure that Ulsterbus and Metro benefi ts from a full range of services relevant to their operations,” he added. Bridgestone will fit premium tyres including the class leading R192 and the R-001 STEER, with equipment, manpower and support for Ulsterbus based in Northern Ireland. Retreads for this contract will also be manufactured in Northern Ireland. “Th e Bridgestone R-001 STEER tyres give an outstanding combination of versatility, economy and long life. Th ese robust tyres have been designed for a broad spectrum of use, from regional and highway roads to light off -road conditions. Th ey off er excellent mileage and retreadability resulting in low cost per kilometre, and cope well with

under-infl ation and overloading without losing performance. Th e new R-001 STEER has superior resistance to irregular wear,” explained Conor.

“The R192 is a highly efficient all position bus tyre for use in urban areas with excellent sidewall protection which minimises scuff damage and abrasion from the kerb.”

Bridgestone Ireland will bring many equipment and service upgrades to Ulsterbus and Metro throughout their partnership. Th is includes a plan to roll out T2i and their innovative TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). With T2i, which is the industry standard interactive tyre inspection tool, Bridgestone make it really easy to check and monitor the condition of tyres including accurate pressure and tread depth measurement. Utilizing bar code and Bluetooth technology, instant accurate reports can be sent to Ulsterbus and Metro Engineering staff in real time. With TPMS, benefi ts to the fl eet are optimal fuel consumption and reduced breakdowns. In addition to these benefi ts, a tyre running at optimal pressure will give a

longer wear life and the casing will be in bett er condition for retreading.

With T2i and TPMS, tyres requiring att ention are not only identifi ed, but also serviced back to peak condition by highly trained Bridgestone Technicians.

The new partnership bet ween Bridgestone and Ulsterbus/Metro is another success for Bridgestone and re-iterates the company’s position as the premium tyre company in Ireland.

A Fare Achievement by Ireland!

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013

18 | FEATURE

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To celebrate President and sole shareholder Henk J. Groeneveld’s

40 years of service, the Groeneveld Group i n Gorinchem has established the Campo Verde Foundation, which aims to improve the fate of underprivileged children, providing funds to support and promote existing or new projects and also starting up new projects itself. Initially, the focus will be on Latin America, but other parts of the world will certainly not be excluded.

Th e Campo Verde Foundation’s primary aim is the support of projects for street children and underprivileged children, either fi nancially or by other means. “Th e emphasis is mainly on training and education, with the promotion

of independence as the ultimate goal. However, projects focused on the care and healthcare of underprivileged children are also part of the Foundation’s objectives”, explains Joël van Hoogen-Groeneveld, Hen k

Groeneveld’s eldest daughter and President of the Campo Verde Foundation.

Groeneveld Group will annually donate a substantial amount to the foundation to support existing or new projects. In addition, the Foundation itself will also undertake activities to raise funds. And of course, employees, suppliers, customers and distributors of Groeneveld can also support the Foundation, either fi nancially or in other ways. “Th is way, the Campo Verde

Foundation will become the initiative of those who are linked to the Groeneveld Group”, says Joël.

Meanwhile the Groeneveld Group, which is a leading supplier of automatic greasing systems, Greensight active safety devices and the unique Oilmaster oil management system, is showcasing its entire range of effi ciency enhancing automated maintenance products at the 2013 UITP exhibition in Geneva. In addition the company presents the recently launched Android-based GreenCat ATX board computer, off ering an entirely open platform for maximum fl exibility and a broad fi eld of applications, including driver performance monitoring. All these Groeneveld products off er dedicated answers to the need for continuous effi ciency improvements in Public Transport.

At an unusual bus christening, the Borussia Mönchengladbach football team marked the

handover of its new MAN team bus at an indoor riding arena! Th e MAN Lion’s Coach L with 480 hp was named “Line 1900”, referring back to the year in which the club was formed. Four dressage horses unveiled the initially concealed bus, before Rainer Bonhof, the Club s current Vice-President and a member of the legendary Colt Eleven in the seventies, took command of an historic fi re brigade carriage.

“Th at was certainly something diff erent. It s not every day that a handover like this takes place in an indoor riding arena,” said Rainer Bonhof. “Fortunately, the new team bus will be far more

comfortable than the carriage,” added Martin Stranzl with a smile.

Boasting 480 hp, the MAN Lion’s Coach L is amply motorized. Th e vehicle is 13.8 meters long and tips the scales at 24.9 tons. Luxuriously equipped and fi tt ed with every safety system, the MAN team bus will make certain that the

players arrive at their venue safely, and well-rested.

“Gladbach now makes it a round dozen for MAN s Bundesliga bus fl eet. We re delighted that Borussia Mönchengladbach has also decided in favor of a team bus from MAN”, said Andreas Lampersbach, Head of Corporate Communications at MAN SE.

Eleven other fi rst-division teams, including Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Munich, travel to their matches in buses supplied by MAN. “Th is means we re in the best of company. Th ese buses have state-of-the-art fi tt ings, off ering the players optimal facilities to prepare for and regenerate aft er their games,” concluded Gladbach trainer Lucien Favre.

As part of the UN Global Road Safety Week, the bus and coach industry adopted the Smart

Move Road Safety Handbook and Charter, for use by companies, drivers and Authorities as a commitment to further improve its already exemplary safety record.

Th e Smart Move Road Safety Handbook focuses on three main issues: safe vehicle, safe driver and safe company. It invites bus and coach companies to sign a road safety charter, while providing drivers with a set of easy-to-use safety checklists. It also provides recommendations to policy decision-makers and manufacturers on making buses and coaches even safer.

“By adopting and making eff orts to widely disseminate this Handbook to every single company and every single driver, we want to make a concrete contribution to enhancing road safety, by raising awareness and spreading

best practices within our sector. In doing so, we intend to maintain the bus and coach industry’s leadership as a road safety champion among all transport modes”, commented IRU Vice-President and President of the IRU Passenger Transport Council (CTP), Yves Mannaerts. Buses and coaches have remained the undisputable road safety champions among all road transport modes for many years. Statistics

show that it is seven times safer to go to school by bus instead of the family car. In the European Union, buses and coaches have consistently shown excellent safety records, equal to that of trains, despite sharing the road with other, lesser-trained road users, thanks to industry initiatives to continually improve safety. Doubling the use of buses and coaches in the EU alone is expected to reduce the number of fatalities on European roads by more than 1,500 per year. Th is fi gure could be improved further with more investments in safer infrastructure.

“To contribute even more to global eff orts to improve road safety and in line with the objectives of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, the bus and coach industry, as represented by the IRU, has decided to make road safety the Smart Move top priority for 2013”, concluded Mr. Mannaerts.

Groeneveld establishes the Campo Verde Foundation

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s new MAN ‘Line 1900’

Bus & Coach Industry adopts Safety Handbook & Charter

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

20 | GLOBAL

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I am writing this piece on the fi rst day of the NBRU Bus Eireann strike, so by the time you read this the landscape of the Bus and Coach sector in Ireland could be dramatically changed. Th is day has been a long time coming. In reality this is not

a batt le between a State bus operator and private operators, as it is a repeat of similar situations the Government has faced in the past where a State run and owned company has become a burden on the taxpayer. In the past these kinds of situations always became political problems.

Public opinion always leaned towards the plight of the workers and possible job losses. Unions were well able to put a doubt into the minds of people that service could be aff ected, be it because of a Post Offi ce closure or the privatization of a transport service. Sometimes the media get themselves sucked into this debate adding to the general scare mongering. When a frenzy like this takes hold politicians get nervous because they know votes are at stake. When it happens the lid is normally squeezed back on the can of worms and the taxpayer continues to subsidize the State company. In the past when these batt les were being fought, the management at State companies usually stood back until these litt le interludes between the politicians and the workers were over and it was back to business as usual.

Now the landscape has changed signifi cantly. No money is available to fund State companies. Management at Bus Eireann know this and by all accounts there is very litt le money left for the day-to-day running. I think the fact that a strong private sector is there to fi ll the gap in any services is almost coincidental. If they were not there then people would simply have to make their own arrangements. Minister Varadkar and the management at Bus Eireann are saying that Bus Eireann’s future is at stake and the jobs at the company could be in jeopardy. While some of the employees obviously regard this as a bit dramatic, they cannot ignore the fact that a loss of market share could make this a reality. Some Union leaders have responded by saying that the strike could extend to include a shut down of the railways. Surely this would be a risky move

particularly for Inter City trains. Our motorway network is challenging the effi ciency of the rail network as it is.

In the days leading up to the strike, a lady caller to a radio show summed up the contradictions about the dispute. As a daily commuter, her fi rst comment was that she supported the Bus Eireann workers fully. As the interview progressed she was asked if she had made alternative arrangements for her daily commute. Yes, she had found a similar service with a private operator which would cost €12 less per week. As she continued to speak you sensed that the penny was starting to drop with her. You could argue that were she to continue to travel with Bus Eireann it would really cost her €24 per week, the extra fare and as a taxpayer she would be paying for the losses also.

At the end of the fi rst days of the strike, Labour’s leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore urged both sides to talk, good advice. Bus Eireann is the largest and strongest operator in the market. You could not estimate the diffi culties this will cause staff in the company. We are however in a new economy and they should take comfort from the way Aer Lingus has survived once it was cut loose from State protection. Competition makes companies agile and secures them and the jobs of their employees.

Landscape of Irish Bus & Coach industry has changed dramatically

Back Seat Driver by Sean Murtagh

FLEETBUS&COACH | Summer 2013 Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fl eet.ie

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- single and double glazed - sing nd d

We supply & fit:

- single and double glazed

For a very competitive quote please call

Office Tel/Fax: 048 795 49630

Paul Smith:

0044 77 622 88163Eamon Ward:

0044 78 506 46280

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CILT Annual National Student Idea Awards

A large group of students, lecturers and family members gathered on the 20 February last in the Dublin Institute of Technology to celebrate the winners of the CILT Annual National Student Idea of the Year Awards which are organised and run through the Eastern Section of the CILT.

Pictured are Neil McDonnell, Eastern Section Chairperson, CILT and Michael Goodliff e, General Manager of PAMBO/PCBOA who were one of the sponsors of the Awards.

AXA Insurance Limited, Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1.Registered in Ireland number 136155. AXA Insurance Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Business in Northern Ireland isobliged to comply with the insurance conduct of business rules issued by the Central Bank of Ireland. We may record or monitor phone callsfor training, prevention of fraud, complaints and to improve customer satisfaction.

AXA offer great value bus insurance with excellent benefits including;� 60% maximum no claims discount (for Operators who are 5+ years claims free).

� €5,000,000 third party property damage limit.

� Open driving (25 - 70 YOA with full, clean licence) included in premium.

� Step back no claims discount in the event of a claim.

� Separate no claims discount for third party and accidental damage.

� No excess on third party or fire & theft claims.

� 5 or 10 month payment plans.

� Personal Accident and Fatal Accident Cover available.

� 24 hour claims service.

� Stand alone employer and public liability cover available.

Contact us for a quote today. Call into one ofour branches nationwide or contactPeter O’Connor on 087 224 7937.

when it comes to bus insurancemake us your first stop!

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